#1 — All Aboard!
Call this the cool little train that could! You’ll find this cute mini-train cruising the state line in the towns of Copperhill, Tenn., and McCaysville, Ga. You can take a tour along the scenic Toccoa River with photo ops, or catch a ride back in time with a trip to the Ducktown Basin Mining Museum and the old Tennessee Copper Company. Plan to take a spook-tacular haunted ride to the “Copper Plant of Carnage” and later a whimsical ride on the Christmas Train.
100 Ocoee St, Copperhill, TN 37317
423-241-9801
#2 – Get in the Spirit!
Enjoy small-town Christmas shopping at its best on Blue Friday — a more relaxed version of Black Friday. Stores and restaurants open early and close late. Then return Saturday for Light Up Blue Ridge, complete with a parade, musical entertainment, gingerbread village, lighting of the Great Tree and, of course, a visit from Santa!
Light Up Blue Ridge
733 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-258-8289
#3 – Crush a car
It’s just not fall without a little car crushing! Get your heart pumping and the adrenaline going by flattening a car with 17 tons of military steel. Or, thunder around the exciting tank course (you can also get behind the controls of a massive 40,000 pound construction excavator). It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Tank Town USA
10408 Appalachian Highway, Morganton, GA 30560
706-633-6072
#4 – Ride the Trails
Saddle up for a fall trail ride through forests of vivid fall colors and crisp air. Experienced local guides will pair you up with the perfect mount, whether your tastes run to “Old Daisy” or “El Diablo.” Be sure to ask about family wagon rides, proposal rides, picnic rides and authentic “dude-for-a-day” adventures.
#5 – Explore!
Visit the Fannin County Chamber’s website and download free driving maps. These guides will take you from town to country all over the mountains on drives or hikes lasting a couple hours to a full day or more.